Technology plays a vital role in companies’ go-to-market strategies. The tools in each sales team’s tech stack can be the difference between blowing past competitors or falling short of quota - again! Choosing the right technology is among the most important decisions that sales leaders make. It’s used for everything from onboarding new hires to providing veteran rainmakers with highly qualified leads and the data to create the kind of tightly tailored messages that close deals. But how to make the right decisions?   In our newest Focus Report on technology for B2B sales, we take a closer look at how businesses are using technology to reinvent their sales process to reap the rewards of more effective onboarding, enhanced targeting, improved forecasting and shorter sales cycles. The collection of stories on sales technology examines: Research from Gartner on what new software purchases are making the most impact for B2B sales Best practices in the trend of automated demos Seven technology disruptions that will impact sales through 2027 Technology’s role in one sales trainer’s push to teach lawyers how to sell Why sales leadership will never be replaced by technology

It’s been a component of sales almost as long as sales itself has existed, but what exactly is sales enablement and what does it look like when it’s done well? For many, the term sales enablement leads to discussions of tech stacks and software as a service (SaaS) that companies invest in to shape their go-to-market strategies. However, those we spoke with said sales enablement is much more than software. It has taken on such an important role that many B2B companies have created sales enablement positions that are separate from the marketing and sales functions. In our new Focus Report on sales enablement, you’ll learn: The evolution of sales enablement and why it matters more than ever How to create sales enablement centers of excellence How sales enablement can help companies weather economic downturns ​​How to be prepared to seize every revenue moment

The role of managing others in today’s environment is chaotic. Many workers are in the office half the time or less. Research shows that more than half of all employees are disengaged and more than 60% report they are currently looking for a new job. Showing that you care for your workers has never been more vital to increasing engagement and retaining top performers. It starts by taking a genuine interest in employees as human beings and allowing them to bring their whole selves to work. Rewarding employees beyond providing a paycheck needs to be part of your company culture. Our Ultimate Guide to Non-Cash Incentives is a new report that provides the latest research on effective reward and recognition in the workplace. It will help you:   Assess how your company’s recognition and incentive efforts compare to similar-sized companies and those that are larger or smaller Learn how other companies are motivating workers and driving improved performance Arm yourself with data that supports allotting substantial budgets for incentive and recognition programs Provide a catalog-like review of the latest options in merchandise, travel, experiential, gift card and turnkey incentive travel solution providers.

Can Channel Partnerships Rescue You From a Recession? B2B sales and marketing teams continue to play things close to the vest as uncertainty about the strength of the economy persists. Whether or not a serious economic downturn is inevitible, there are numerous reasons why now is a good time to form new channel partnerships. A win-win strategy that can put more qualified leads in your pipeline and help you expand to new markets, channel partnerships are an increasingly key component of many companies’ go-to-market strategy. Our new Focus Report, "The Channel Partnership Playbook," takes a closer look at how companies are boosting their bottom line by forming strong relationships with other companies. Learn about the different types of strategic partnerships, tips for developing channel partnerships and how to keep channel partners engaged and motivated to reach well-defined goals.

The latest Focus Report from Sales & Marketing Management has tactics to increase productivity. Learn how leaders are empowering their sales teams for maximum impact, how the rating system for self-driving vehicles can be applied to sales automation and more.

In a world that has shifted to more virtual B2B sales and marketing, the question "What’s in your tech stack?" has never been more important. A new Focus Report from Sales & Marketing Management looks at some technological trends that are fueling success. The report includes these stories: 7 Technological Advances Shaping the Future of Sales and Marketing Sales Teams Embrace AI-Powered Conversation Analysis Experiential Sales: The Strategy of the Future That’s Here Today The Past, Present and Future of Enablement Technology

Shifts that occurred during the pandemic and that continue to change the work world have made managing and motivating teams more challenging than ever. Here’s how to keep employees positive, productive and performing at high levels.  

What worked for so many years when compensating sales professionals is no longer sufficient. Given today’s tight labor pool and a rush by entrepreneurial types to start their own businesses, putting a comprehensive package of pay, benefits and extra perks together has never been more important. SMM's Focus Report on sales compensation looks at how to get compensation right and hold on to your best salespeople. Articles address: Why a competitive salary is merely table stakes 4 shifts in sales compensation How to combat the Great Resignation Why gaining insight on what drives reps nuts will help you keep your team intact

Some aspect of meeting virtually is here to stay, but B2B sales and marketing professionals are eager to return to trade show environments and live marketing events. In-person events produce stronger leads, present opportunities for unplanned encounters and provide a means to build trust in a way that cannot be duplicated virtually. This Focus Report explores why businesses are ready to return to exhibit halls and what these events in a post-pandemic world will look like. With an understanding that hybrid is here to stay, we learn from experts how to make it work with trade show and marketing efforts.

Workers are quitting their jobs at some of the highest rates in years. Those employees who do stay mostly still work from home, presenting little face time with managers and colleagues. Cash bonuses go toward daily bills and are soon forgotten. Recognizing and rewarding employees, channel partners and other business associates has never been more important. Our Ultimate Guide to Non-Cash Incentives features:   Dozens of non-cash recognition ideas from name brand merchandise, gift card and experience providers Valuable insights on recognition trends, including a look at travel rewards in this uncertain time Industry research to help set realistic expectations for incentive and brand loyalty campaigns